Two talented but forgotten bop-based improvisers are featured on this quintet set:
Hal McKusick (who switches between his
Paul Desmond-inspired alto, tenor and cool-toned clarinet) and trombonist
Billy Byers. Accompanied by pianist
Eddie Costa, bassist
Paul Chambers and drummer
Charlie Persip, the two horns get rare opportunities to stretch out on material ranging from "Saturday Night" and an early version of
Dizzy Gillespie's "Con Alma" to "I'm Glad There Is You" and three
McKusick originals. This obscure Prestige session (reissued on CD in the OJC series) should interest straightahead jazz fans. ~ Scott Yanow